Speak Out December 2018

Association news

Revised advertising policy

Speech Pathology Australia is pleased to announce that the Code of Ethics – Advertising policy, has been reviewed and updated and is now available online. The policy was initially developed in 2014 to help Speech Pathology Australia members consider ethical issues around advertising. It outlined a requirement for accurate, evidence-based advertising, that did not mislead consumers or misrepresent the qualifications, skills and experience of the profession. The revised advertising policy builds on these principles by providing clarity around particular advertising practices that have the potential to mislead consumers and solicit unnecessary or inappropriate use of services. In particular, new and reviewed inclusions to the policy address; • The use of client images and information as a marketing strategy. These are strongly discouraged even with fully informed consent, due to the vulnerability of our clients and the shareability and longevity of images and information online, particularly on social media. • The use of inducements, such as prizes, gifts and discounts. Inducements that result in the provision of a service that is not required to meet an identified clinical need are prohibited. Where inducements are used as part of a pre-determined fee structure for services already being provided to meet an identified need, they must comply with relevant legislation and contain detailed information about the terms and conditions.

• The need for clear delineation of speech pathology services from non-speech pathology products or services in advertising. This is so that consumers are not misinformed about the nature of, and evidence for, speech pathology services. The revised policy also outlines procedures for dealing with non-compliance with the policy. It also requires SPA members to raise non-compliant advertising with their non-speech pathologist managers in larger multidisciplinary organisations. A review of the advertising FAQs document is currently underway. For more information on marketing and ethics in advertising, there is a free webinar for SPA members now available online – Ethical and Effective Marketing for your Private Practice – available at www.cpdlive.com/speechpath/recordings/index.html For any queries regarding the revised policy, please contact Meg Maggiore on mmaggiore@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au or contact national office on 1300 368 835.

Meg Maggiore Ethics Advisor

CBOS review update

The CBOS review project is now well underway. Initial consultation with SPA members, non members and other stakeholders regarding the review occurred via an online survey during October – November 2018. Almost 1100 people participated, and 300 people nominated to be part of focus groups for the next phase of the consultation process. Demographic data showed the breadth of experience, scope of practice and overall diversity of the profession. Participants also shared their views on the current CBOS and how it could be reshaped for the future. Survey findings are now being analysed and will be further explored when the focus groups are held in February 2019. Further information about the CBOS review is at: https://bit.ly/2SxBAO9

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December 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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